Disp Cameras - my experience/opinion...

Hi ladies, Just incase any of you are debating whether or not to get disposable cameras for all of your tables.... I had them for my wedding, and I really wasnt impressed with the turnout. One table took all goofy pictures of themselves. Way too many. An entire roll on themselves. Others pictures were similiar to pictures that family members took. Some were just a 'wasted' picture, whether it was of a guest that I really didnt know (date of a friend, etc). Or too many of other people. I`ve been to numerous weddings where there were disposable cameras. I am the first one to grab the camera and take pictures that the bride would love. It seems at my wedding people took pictures that THEY would love...... Out of 20 cameras, I would say maybe 20-30 pictures are okay...The rest were just pictures taken to use up film..... Of course if you have a great crowd, you can wind up with 20 cameras full of fabulous shots. I just thought I would share my experience and give you something to consider if you are 'on the fence' about this...... If anything, maybe you can do half the amount of cameras and have the cameras 'tossed around' from table to table..... cheers :) anna

Disp Cameras - Agree and Disagree

I knew I always wanted the cameras but was hesitant because of what Anna described-- so we got 15 exposure cameras so the chance of wasted pics was minimal-- we had 20 cameras and have some great shots that the photographer didnt get as well as way too many shots from too far away!! One thing I wish we had done was have the band make an announcement that they were on the table--the older folks dont always notice everything-- (my Mom's table never picked their camera up--duh) We bought Kodak's wedding cameras (5 in a pack 15 exposure 800 film with automatic flash--ie they didnt have to push the button each time) I found them from a great lady on Ebay for basically nothing-- overall I would say they are worth it but maybe try the pass around option Laura

Disp Cameras - Question for Laura

Would you mind telling me the username of the person you bought camera's from on ebay? I very much want to have some cameras at my wedding in August but we're really crunching our budget and things are getting tight. I'm afraid to go for a 'good deal' on ebay and then get cameras with bad film etc. I know the user's have ratings on ebay but I'd feel better getting a recommendation firsthand. If you feel more comfortable emailing me the name, I'd really appreciate it. I'm at [email protected] Thank you

Disp Cameras - our results

The results definately depend on the skill of the user and there are some questionalble shots, but I`d still do it again. We bought the 15 exposure Kodak Wedding cameras at BJ`s Warehouse for a net cost of about $5.00 each, and had them developed at Costco for just over $2.00 each for a double set of 4 x 6 prints. As for being happy with the results, I guess it depends partly on what you want. While there were not too many of 'the wedding events' and the bride and groom, there were some great guest shots and that`s what I was hoping for - the friends and relatives that were not part of the bridal party and immediate family - in other words, the ones that the photographer might not get. We do have some of the goofy shots where guests held the camera out to shoot themselves, but those also fit the personality of those taking the shots. One of my favorites was a message for us from one of the guests - it`s just a shot of a dark green door with a sign in the middle - NO EXIT - !!! LOL We loved it when we came to that one. There are some really nice shots of distant Aunts and cousins, some fun shots of an old friend and his new fiance and some great candids of guests in general. They are not 'Album Quality' as Mark has pointed out in the past, but they are nice snapshots of the guests that were not part of the central group, so if that`s what you want, then go for it. If you`re hoping for some great reception shots of the bride, groom and traditional events like the cake cutting, then rely on your professional photographer, because we have very few of those, but it's nice to have some candid snapshots as remembrances of the day too.

Disp Cameras - our results

I've heard about people asking a few trusted friends from both sides to go around and take pictures with disposable cameras (or just picking up some film for them to use with their own camera). Most people would be honored to be chosen and then you'd have more of an idea what to expect. As for table photos, etc. Just be sure to read your photog contract carefully to make sure this wouldn't be a problem.

Ebay

email me tonight and I will check my records--she was a nice woman who searched out more for me-- I know a while back I posted on here about it so you might want to do a search cause I passed the info along to another board member-- Laura [email protected]

Disp Cameras - our results

All of your points are very valid. It is nice to have candid shots of your guests that are not in your bridal party and that you dont see very often. It was nice to see those shots, and know that they had a good time. But I guess certain relatives of ours really overdid it, and knowing the type of people they are....I guess I made a strong opinion based on something that annoyed me :( .... there are definately pluses if you get those special shots....so if you did have it in mind, go for it... Thanks for keeping the discussion going ladies...we (girls) are so good at talking things out ! :) anna